Bradford Hospitals Charity is calling on supporters to help raise £50,000 in just seven days as part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025 – and every donation will be doubled, making your gift go twice as far this festive season.
The campaign runs from 12pm on Tuesday 2 December to 12pm on Tuesday 9 December, giving donors a unique opportunity to make twice the impact.
Funds raised will go towards the ‘Home from Home’ appeal, which aims to build a dedicated family accommodation centre next to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Bradford Royal Infirmary. The new facility will provide:
- Five additional en-suite bedrooms so families can stay close to their babies in intensive care
- A large homely kitchen and lounge
- A peaceful garden
- A play area for siblings
Four years ago, Helen’s daughter Emmeline was born early and was admitted to Bradford Royal Infirmary’s NICU. Helen was in the postnatal ward just upstairs and talked about the importance of being close. She said:
You can’t underestimate that when you’ve given birth everything in your body is telling you that you should be with your baby. Any distance at all feels unnatural, a nightmare if I’m honest. If you’re separated you don’t feel whole – it’s awful having to walk away, even for one night.
Every year, around 500 babies begin life in Bradford’s NICU, some as early as 22 weeks, weighing little more than half a bag of sugar. For parents, this means weeks or months of stress, long journeys, and nights spent in uncomfortable chairs or costly hotels.
Matron Jamie Steele, who leads the NICU team, said:
We know that babies do better when their families are close. This new centre will give parents the space and support they need during the most difficult time of their lives.
The appeal has already secured £1 million from The Harry and Mary Foundation and more than £700,000 from community fundraising. With planning permission granted and a contractor expected to be confirmed before Christmas, the charity is now within touching distance of its £3 million goal.
Bradford Hospitals Charity Director, Laura Riach, said:
This is an incredible opportunity to make your donation go twice as far. Together, we can create a space that will support families not just today, but for generations to come.
To donate, visit Neonatal Appeal – the donation button has been redirected to the Big Give website. Every pound donated between 2–9 December will be matched, meaning your £30 gift becomes £60.